panniers

[pll]

I think this is it:

http://waldsports.qbsoft.com/index.c...ingbasket.html

I like them because I can put anything, any bag, even no bag, just toss stuff in. I'm not limited to a bag with a particular system.

Yep, I have those... Also neat: At ~$10-13 per basket, I don't worry about them when the bike is locked outside.

[Grog]

The Basil bag Tri Girl mentions is sold at Raincity Bikes on Manitoba at Broadway (in Vancouver) by the way.

As others have said, no balance issues and no adaptation period. Front panniers are a totally different story though...

[badger]

I googled basil bag, and came across the animal basket. If/when I get another dog, I'd love to train him/her to ride with me. Depending on its size, either in a basket like that, or in a trailer thingy. I recently saw this guy with one of those dutch cargo bikes, one that looks like it's got a big wooden box in front, with 2 golden retrievers in it. Looked so cool.

back to topic at hand: I guess my snobbishness was that I didn't really want to look like a commuter (I'm weird). But I've turned over a new leaf and I'll be getting it all decked out tomorrow.

And good to know about sides, I'm a lefty when it comes to feet so left side will be just fine to put my bag.

thanks for all the info!

[badger]

ha, I love this cooky guy and the bag he designs

[susan.wells]

When I commute to work I use the Detours Toto Urban Pannier. These are easy on and off the rack yet ride securely. The handles make it easy to carry into work. I haven't used them in rainy conditions so I cannot attest to how they would perform in the rain. They do come with rain covers. I don't feel unbalanced with a single pannier. I use two panniers only when carrying extra items to and from work. Most of the time a single is all I need.

[PscyclePath]

It's best to put the weight on the bike instead of your body, if you can... Makes for a much more comfortable ride, and a lot less wear & tear on the rider.

I usually use a pair of Ortliebs, and try to balance the load. I'm a left-foot-downer, so if there's only one pannier (occasionally, and I have a little briefcase that clips to my rack) it goes on the left side.

[KnottedYet]

I'm a right-foot-downer, and have always put the pannier on the left side.

[JennK13]

Guess I'm in the minority, but I DO feel lopsided if I only have one pannier, especially if it's on the left side - if I only have one it goes on the right as I always unclip my right foot. It also helps counter balance when my bike is sitting there as the weight is on the opposite side of the kickstand; on the left, my bike falls over.
I typically ride with two just to keep myself balanced, and I also take a lot of stuff to work with me, so I need the space

[Trek420]

I don't worry about them when the bike is locked outside.

I worry about everything when the bike is outside but yes, very affordable and does not have that "steal me, I'm expensive bike gear" look.